Code of Tang Soo Do
(Code of the Hwa-Rang Dan)
1. Be Loyal To Your Country
2. Be Obedient to Parents & Elders
3. Honor Friendship
4. Never Retreat In Battle
5. Respect All Life
This section contains information about the Korean traditional martial art of Tang Soo Do, (pronounced "tong sue doe"). It is a primary system of empty handed self defense dating back about 2,000 years.
The "Tang" represents the chinese influence on the development of modern Tang Soo Do. Grandmaster Hwang Kee, who founded the Moo Duk Kwan, giving Tang Soo Do its current form, spent many years in China, as Korea was occupied by Japan, and Koreans were forbidden from practicing their own traditional martial arts. Many Koreans escaped the Japanese occupation, and worked and trained in China until the end of the 2nd World War ended the occupation. Grandmaster Hwang Kee was among that number.
The word "soo" is translated "hand" or "open-hand." There are many techniques for striking that involve using open-hands. And "open-handed" also carries with it the implication of being un-armed. While there are certain weapons that some students learn how to use, and there are many techniques designed to defend against weapons, the art of Tang Soo Do is the art of un-armed, "open-handed" self defense.
Finally, the word "do" is related to the chinese word "tao" or "dao," and means "way" or "path." So Tang Soo Do, contrary to the understanding of many non-practitioners, is not a sport or a hobby. It is a way of life, a path to follow. As such, it carries with it not only techniques for striking and blocking and kicking, but a philosophy for living, mental aspects to be cultivated, respect to be given and earned and more.
(Code of the Hwa-Rang Dan)
1. Be Loyal To Your Country
2. Be Obedient to Parents & Elders
3. Honor Friendship
4. Never Retreat In Battle
5. Respect All Life
This section contains information about the Korean traditional martial art of Tang Soo Do, (pronounced "tong sue doe"). It is a primary system of empty handed self defense dating back about 2,000 years.
The "Tang" represents the chinese influence on the development of modern Tang Soo Do. Grandmaster Hwang Kee, who founded the Moo Duk Kwan, giving Tang Soo Do its current form, spent many years in China, as Korea was occupied by Japan, and Koreans were forbidden from practicing their own traditional martial arts. Many Koreans escaped the Japanese occupation, and worked and trained in China until the end of the 2nd World War ended the occupation. Grandmaster Hwang Kee was among that number.
The word "soo" is translated "hand" or "open-hand." There are many techniques for striking that involve using open-hands. And "open-handed" also carries with it the implication of being un-armed. While there are certain weapons that some students learn how to use, and there are many techniques designed to defend against weapons, the art of Tang Soo Do is the art of un-armed, "open-handed" self defense.
Finally, the word "do" is related to the chinese word "tao" or "dao," and means "way" or "path." So Tang Soo Do, contrary to the understanding of many non-practitioners, is not a sport or a hobby. It is a way of life, a path to follow. As such, it carries with it not only techniques for striking and blocking and kicking, but a philosophy for living, mental aspects to be cultivated, respect to be given and earned and more.